At the beginning of the year, I told myself, I should get out of my comfort zone and try a new bake at least once a month. So for this month, the new item on my 'baking' list is none other than Steamed Cupbread, or commonly known as mushi pan (蒸しパン), a Japanese steamed cupcake.

These steamed cupbread or cupcakes are very simple and easy to put together. All you need is a hand whisk to stir the ingredients together. I made a couple of them topped with pork floss and they turned out nicely domed...I had expected them to crack like huat kuih, lol!

These steamed cupbread tasted just like the traditional steamed sponge cakes...although they tasted less sweet. The texture was not fluffy, yet not as dense as kuih. I didn't really like the eggy smell, but those topped with pork floss were not bad. They certainly taste better when served warm. I reheat them by steaming for about 5mins and they were as good as freshly made ones. I can't say they were not delicious, but I have yet to fall in love with them. I'll have to try out other flavours, with fruits and nuts or savoury ones in order to decide...

Place a steam rack in a pot. Wrap the lid with a tea towel. Fill pot with water (fill just below the rack) and bring water to a boil. (Note: The lid is wrapped with cloth so as to prevent condensed water from dripping over the cupbread.)

While the steamer is preheating, whisk egg in a mixing bowl. Add in sugar, beat till sugar dissolve.